While becoming a psychologist or psychotherapist generally requires a Bachelors Degree of Psychology or Social Work, additional training is often required to work in a specific area. As such, understanding how to become a registered play therapist is important for those wishing to work in this area. For, there are specific criteria which is often set by associations such as the Association of Play Therapy in addition to rules and regulations set by the state.
Individuals seeking to become therapists working in this area must already be state licensed mental health professionals. Whether child psychologists, school counselors or psychotherapists, all must meet criteria as defined in associated guidebooks. Depending on the organization and state, there may also be a number of continuing educational requirements on an ongoing basis.
Before applying, applicants need to understand the meaning of three job titles in the area and overall job descriptions. The positions and titles in this area include Registered Play Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and School Based Play Therapist. While each position is similar in providing therapy to clients, SB-RPTs must hold a certificate and license from the a state Department of Education.
Individuals which are licensed by a mental health board of a state are not eligible for SB-RPT positions though may be eligible for others. Whereas, a number of associations allow therapists to hold multiple credentials. As such, there may be some therapists which are certified, licensed and qualified to work as a RPT, RPT-S and SB-RPT and in other areas.
Regardless of these requirements, there are a number of benefits when it comes to becoming a professional working in this area. For one thing, being a RPT or RPT-S relays the knowledge an individual has in the field of play therapy to universities, schools, children, parents and associates. Whereas, registration in this area also provides visibility and credibility of specialized training in this area.
Beyond educational requirements, there are also specific work related requirements which applicants must be able to prove when applying for training and employment in this area. These requirements include having 2K direct hours and 3K hours of direct client contact for becoming a RPT. Whereas, RPT-S must have 3K direct hours and 3K hours of direct contact with clients.
While these are the basic requirements, there may be additional criteria set by the state or licensing agencies, associations or organizations. In most cases, those interested in applying to become licensed in this area can find information on a number of associated websites. Whereas, a general search for therapy associations will often return a number of phone numbers, physical addresses and websites which can provide answers to questions individuals may have about working in this area.
When submitting an application, individuals must be able to prove that all requirements, including state, educational and work-related have been met before registration can be finalized. In the case of the APT, the association has a list of approved methods of verification that requirements have been met on the organization website. Whereas, if obtaining licensing from another agency, it is important to inquire about such proof in order for registration to take place in a timely and efficient manner.
Individuals seeking to become therapists working in this area must already be state licensed mental health professionals. Whether child psychologists, school counselors or psychotherapists, all must meet criteria as defined in associated guidebooks. Depending on the organization and state, there may also be a number of continuing educational requirements on an ongoing basis.
Before applying, applicants need to understand the meaning of three job titles in the area and overall job descriptions. The positions and titles in this area include Registered Play Therapist, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and School Based Play Therapist. While each position is similar in providing therapy to clients, SB-RPTs must hold a certificate and license from the a state Department of Education.
Individuals which are licensed by a mental health board of a state are not eligible for SB-RPT positions though may be eligible for others. Whereas, a number of associations allow therapists to hold multiple credentials. As such, there may be some therapists which are certified, licensed and qualified to work as a RPT, RPT-S and SB-RPT and in other areas.
Regardless of these requirements, there are a number of benefits when it comes to becoming a professional working in this area. For one thing, being a RPT or RPT-S relays the knowledge an individual has in the field of play therapy to universities, schools, children, parents and associates. Whereas, registration in this area also provides visibility and credibility of specialized training in this area.
Beyond educational requirements, there are also specific work related requirements which applicants must be able to prove when applying for training and employment in this area. These requirements include having 2K direct hours and 3K hours of direct client contact for becoming a RPT. Whereas, RPT-S must have 3K direct hours and 3K hours of direct contact with clients.
While these are the basic requirements, there may be additional criteria set by the state or licensing agencies, associations or organizations. In most cases, those interested in applying to become licensed in this area can find information on a number of associated websites. Whereas, a general search for therapy associations will often return a number of phone numbers, physical addresses and websites which can provide answers to questions individuals may have about working in this area.
When submitting an application, individuals must be able to prove that all requirements, including state, educational and work-related have been met before registration can be finalized. In the case of the APT, the association has a list of approved methods of verification that requirements have been met on the organization website. Whereas, if obtaining licensing from another agency, it is important to inquire about such proof in order for registration to take place in a timely and efficient manner.
About the Author:
Learn how to become a registered play therapist by following the step by step guide online. To obtain further information on this topic go to http://www.cbpseminars.org/training/track-a.
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